Eurovision 101: How to Do Eurovision Properly (From Malmö to Basel to Vienna)

If there’s one event that keeps pulling me back again and again, it’s the Eurovision Song Contest. I’ve now done it three times, Malmö, Basel, and now Vienna, and it all started the moment I had just enough money to make questionable financial decisions… and just enough luck to actually get tickets.

Because here’s the truth: Eurovision is not just a show. It’s a full experience. A city-wide takeover. A week where everything revolves around music, flags, chaos, and a very specific kind of collective happiness. And while it may look effortless from the outside, there’s actually a lot to know if you want to do it right.

Tickets: patience, strategy, and a bit of chaos

Since 2025, the ticket system has become more structured, which sounds reassuring, but don’t get too comfortable. To even have a chance, you need to register in advance, otherwise you simply won’t be able to access ticket sales at all . From there, it’s a virtual queue situation, and this is where things get… character-building.

You wait. A lot.

And when you finally get in, tickets might disappear while you’re selecting them. Completely normal. Extremely frustrating. But normal.

The only real strategy is:

• stay calm

• keep clicking

• be flexible

The biggest mistake people make is only aiming for the live shows. Yes, they’re iconic, but they’re also the hardest to get. There are nine shows in total (live, jury, and previews), and honestly? The previews are one of Eurovision’s best-kept secrets. Same staging, same performances, same crowd energy, just slightly less pressure.

That’s how I did Malmö and Basel, and for Vienna I managed a mix of previews and live-shows.

Also: Eurovision is not a group booking activity. The fewer tickets you try to buy, the higher your chances.

Accommodation: Malmö trauma taught me well

Let’s not sugarcoat this.

The moment a winner is announced, accommodation prices go absolutely insane.

Malmö was… an experience. I ended up staying in Copenhagen and commuting, which sounds fun until you’re doing it at 2am surrounded by glitter and emotional exhaustion.

For Vienna, I learned my lesson.

I had a feeling during the final and booked my apartment while Austria was still performing. No confirmation yet, just vibes.

And honestly? That’s the only strategy that works.

The good news is that you don’t need to stay right next to the venue. Eurovision cities are built for this kind of event. Vienna, for example, is incredibly well connected, and during Eurovision week, transport gets even more efficient with increased frequency and additional services.

So the real priority is simple: stay somewhere connected to public transport.

The Eurovillage: your second home

If the arena is the heart of Eurovision, the Eurovillage is its soul.

In Vienna, it will be located at Rathausplatz, right in the city centre, and open daily with free entry.

And it’s not just a “fan zone.”

It’s:

• live concerts

• DJ sets

• food stands

• screenings of all shows

• thousands of fans from everywhere

The live shows are even broadcast on big screens, so even if you don’t have tickets, you’re still part of the moment .

Honestly, this is where you feel Eurovision the most.

Official Parties (aka my personal failure every year)

EuroClub is the official party hub, where everything happens late at night - DJs, artists, fans, chaos.

In theory, getting tickets is straightforward.

In reality… I’ve never managed.

So yes, it’s possible. But also: don’t build your whole trip around it.

Dressing the Part: This Is Your Moment

If there’s one place on earth where you can dress like a disco ball and nobody will question your life choices, it’s Eurovision. Actually, not only will people not stare, they’ll probably stop you for photos, compliment your outfit, and ask where you’re from before telling you their entire life story.

So this is my official permission slip: go all out.

Costumes, glitter, sequins, wigs, flags turned into capes, this is not the time to play it safe.

And yes, in my case, the costumes are always my idea. But then again, I am the slightly unhinged Eurovision fan of the group, so it tracks.

Malmö 2024

In Malmö, I went full concept mode. I created custom IKEA-style shirts branded “SWISS” (because, you know, Switzerland), using the iconic Swedish colours and design. On the back, each of us had a different Swiss greeting: ciao, grüezi, salut, and allegra. It was one of those ideas that sounds niche in your head… until it isn’t. We got stopped so many times for photos that day - and I’m still ridiculously proud of it.

Basel 2025

Basel was a bit of a mixed approach. For the semi-final, we kept it low-key and just wore whatever we felt like. I had on this vintage second-hand dress I found in Hallstatt, which is still one of my favourite pieces I own. But then came the final, and that’s where things escalated. Together with my friends Eva and Maya, we dressed up as Tommy Cash… but with a Swiss twist. Think ties with cows and cheese prints. Subtle? Absolutely not. Effective? Very. At some point, we even got stopped and interviewed by an Italian reporter for a lifestyle magazine, which honestly still feels slightly surreal. Meanwhile, my brother committed fully to the bit and came dressed as our “bodyguard,” inspired by Tommy Cash’s actual entourage, except his outfit had a custom detail on the back saying he worked for the “12 Points Company.” I still laugh about it.

And then there’s Vienna

We went through so many ideas. Dressing as Sisi and Franz. Going full Mozart and telling people music was better in our time. Even leaning into the classic over-the-top tourist look. In the end, we decided to do what Eurovision does best: turn it into a concept.

We’ll have two outfits, one representing the jury vote (elegant, serious, very put-together), and one representing the public vote (chaotic, dramatic, and just… a lot). I already know which one is going to be more fun. We'll wear it as a couple costume alternating and creating contrast.

So yes, if you’re going to Eurovision, take this seriously - or rather, don’t take it seriously at all. Dress up. Be extra. Be a little ridiculous.

Eurovision 2026

Getting Around: this is where Vienna really shines

If there’s one thing you don’t need to stress about in Vienna, it’s transport.

The city is already incredibly well connected, but during Eurovision week it basically turns into what I like to call the Eurovision Express, everything is designed to get you from one iconic moment to the next with minimal effort and maximum vibes.

The real star of the show here is the U2 metro line, which connects almost all the key Eurovision locations in a surprisingly seamless way.

If you’re heading to the Eurovision Village and Opening Ceremony, you’ll find yourself at Rathausplatz, right in the heart of the city. The easiest way to get there is simply hopping on the U2 and getting off at Rathaus. You walk out of the station and you’re immediately in the middle of it all, music, crowds, flags, chaos (the good kind).

For the EuroClub, which in 2026 is set at the Prater DOME, the U2 comes to the rescue again. You can get off at either Messe-Prater or Praterstern, depending on where you’re coming from, and from there it’s just a short walk into what will most likely be one of the most chaotic (and fun) nights of your trip.

Then there’s the Eurofan House, located at the Wien Museum at Karlsplatz, and yes, once again, the U2 takes you straight there. Karlsplatz is actually the southern terminus of the line, making it one of the easiest reference points in the whole network.

Now, the only place that isn’t directly on the U2 is the Wiener Stadthalle, where the actual shows take place. But even that is handled in a very Eurovision way.

You can take the U2 to Volkstheater (which is also connected to the U3), and from there jump on a dedicated “Party Tram”, essentially a branded shuttle that takes you straight to the venue. And honestly, the idea of arriving at Eurovision on a tram full of fans already feels like part of the experience.

And because Vienna clearly understood the assignment, they’re adding little details that make everything feel even more immersive: U2 stations will feature Eurovision-themed selfie spots, and announcements will be made in multiple languages specifically for fans.

So yes, you’re not just moving around the city.

You’re very much part of it.

Viennese Coffe Houses will serve you "Espresso Macchiato" and more

And because Vienna clearly understood the assignment, the Eurovision atmosphere won’t stop at venues and fan zones. During the week, the city will also be dotted with Eurovision-themed cafés, each representing a different participating country. Think of it as a mini culinary tour between shows, one moment you’re grabbing coffee with a Scandinavian twist, the next you’re trying something inspired by Southern Europe, all without leaving the city. It’s such a small detail, but also such a smart one: it gives you something to do during the quieter moments of the day and makes the whole experience feel even more immersive. So yes, between a semi-final and a night at the Eurovillage, you might just find yourself “travelling” across Europe one coffee at a time.

Public Viewings & Side Events

Even without arena tickets, Eurovision is everywhere.

Vienna is planning:

• public screenings of all live shows at the Eurovillage

• fan zones across the city

• themed events, concerts, and exhibitions

There’s even a full host city app (“ivie”) dedicated to Eurovision, with maps, events, and locations all in one place.

So realistically, you could go without tickets and still have an amazing experience.

Flags, Bags, and Other Things You Don’t Think About

Eurovision is all about expression, and flags are part of that identity.

But there are rules:

• National flags → always safe BUT for 2026 they must be certified under the Austrian safety standard

• Political/controversial ones → may be restricted

Then there’s the bag situation.

Security is strict, especially at the venue:

• expect airport-style checks

• minimal or no bag policies

• medication allowed, but you should bring proof

It’s one of those things that seems minor until you’re stuck at security trying to explain why you brought your entire life with you.

Volunteers & City Support

One of the most underrated parts of Eurovision:

The volunteers.

Vienna is going all in:

• visible staff at major transport hubs

• multilingual assistance

• clear signage across the city

You’re never really lost, just temporarily distracted.

The Only Rule That Actually Matters

After all the planning, the stress, the tickets, the logistics… here’s the truth:

None of that is what you’ll remember most.

You’ll remember:

• singing with strangers

• laughing in queues

• random conversations in broken English

• that one performance that made the whole arena explode

Eurovision is one of the few places where everyone is there for the same reason, to enjoy something together, without overthinking it.

So yes, plan. But also: let it be chaotic. That’s part of it.